Systems and methods for credit-based usage of surgical instruments and components thereof

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for credit-based usage of surgical instruments include one or more surgical instruments having associated therewith a usage amount, a pre-determined maximum usage amount, and an available usage credit amount that is less than the pre-determined maximum usage amount. The systems implement and the methods include comparing the usage amount to the pre-determined maximum usage amount and inhibiting further use of the at least one reusable component when the usage amount is equal to the pre-determined maximum usage amount, and identifying the available usage credit amount and inhibiting further use of the at least one reusable component when there is no available usage credit remaining.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation and claims priority to, and the benefit of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/660,990, filed Mar. 18, 2015, the entirecontents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments and, moreparticularly, to systems and methods for credit-based usage of surgicalinstruments and components thereof.

2. Background of Related Art

Surgical instruments may be generally classified as single-useinstruments, reusable instruments, partially-reusable instruments (whereone or more components are configured for single use and one or moreother components are configured for reuse), or limited-use instruments(or limited-use components). Such limited-use instruments or componentsare classified as such because these instruments or components defineuseful lives, that is, a period during which use of the instruments orcomponents is determined to be safe and effective. The useful life of aparticular instrument or component is typically determined by testingand/or modeling that reflects the effects of the surgical environment onthe instrument or component, stresses imparted to or by the instrumentor component during use, the impact of sterilization processes on theinstrument or component, and/or the normal wear and tear resulting fromreuse of the instrument or component. The useful life of an instrumentor component may be measured against one or more metrics such as: timefrom manufacturing, time in actual use, time undergoing sterilization,number of activations, number of procedures, number of sterilizations,number of charge cycles, etc.

Historically, clinicians were required to know (or determine) the usefullife of an instrument or component, track usage in accordance therewith,and retire the instrument or component once its useful life had beenreached. With the advent of intelligent instruments and components,manual use-tracking by the clinician has been replaced by themanufacturer programming the instrument or component to measure theuseful life thereof and disable functionality (partially or fully) whenthe useful life has been reached.

The useful life of a particular instrument or component may also behelpful in considering the economics of purchasing a particularinstrument, e.g., a price-per-procedure value can be determined. On themanufacturer's side, increased prices resulting from the additionalcosts associated with increasing the usable life of an instrument orcomponent are more easily justified when viewed in a price-per-procedurecontext.

SUMMARY

To the extent consistent, any of the aspects and features of the presentdisclosure may be used in conjunction with any or all of the otheraspects and features detailed herein.

Provided in accordance with the present disclosure is a surgical systemimplementing a credit-based usage system. The surgical system includesone or more surgical instruments, each including at least one reusablecomponent having associated therewith a usage amount, a pre-determinedmaximum usage amount, and an available usage credit amount. Theavailable usage credit amount is less than the pre-determined maximumusage amount. The one or more surgical instruments each further includea processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, cause the processor to compare the usage amount to thepre-determined maximum usage amount and inhibit further use of the atleast one reusable component when the usage amount is equal to thepre-determined maximum usage amount, and identify the available usagecredit amount and inhibit further use of the at least one reusablecomponent when there is no available usage credit remaining.

In embodiments, the memory further stores instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor, cause the processor to update the usageamount after use of the at least one reusable component.

In embodiments, the memory further stores instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor, cause the processor to update the availableusage credit amount after use of the at least one reusable component andupdate the available usage credit amount in response to receipt ofinstructions to replenish usage credit. The replenish instructions maybe provided in response to the purchase of additional usage credit.

In embodiments, the usage amount, the pre-determined maximum usageamount, and the available usage credit amount are measured in number ofuses. Alternatively, the usage amount, the pre-determined maximum usageamount, and the available usage credit amount may be measured in time ofuse or via any other suitable metric.

In embodiments, the available usage credit amount corresponds to anamount of usage credit purchased.

In embodiments, a first reusable component of the at least one reusablecomponent includes a memory that stores the usage amount, thepre-determined maximum usage amount, and the available usage creditamount for the first reusable component. A second reusable component ofthe at least one reusable component may also be provided. In suchembodiments, the second reusable component may store its one usageinformation and/or the first reusable component may store the usageamount, the pre-determined maximum usage amount, and the available usagecredit amount for the second reusable component in the memory of thefirst reusable component.

In embodiments, a display screen of the surgical instrument or incommunication with the surgical instrument is provided. The displayscreen is configured to display status information regarding the usageamount, the pre-determined maximum usage amount, and the available usagecredit amount.

In embodiments, the system further includes a device in communicationwith the one or more surgical instruments that is configured to provideinstructions to the surgical instrument(s) to modify, e.g., increase ordecrease, the available usage credit amount.

In embodiments, the system includes a plurality of surgical instruments.In such embodiments, a device in communication with the plurality ofsurgical instruments enables the transfer of usage credit between two ormore of the plurality of surgical instruments.

A method for credit-based usage of a surgical instrument is alsoprovided in accordance with the present disclosure. The method includesassigning a usage credit amount to at least one reusable component of asurgical instrument that is less than a pre-determined maximum usageamount of the at least one reusable component. The method furtherincludes updating the usage credit amount in response to use of the atleast one reusable component and inhibiting further use of the at leastone reusable component when there is no available usage creditremaining.

In embodiments, the usage credit amount is assigned to the at least onereusable component in response to purchasing usage credits.

In embodiments, the method further includes replenishing the usagecredit amount. In response to replenishing the usage credit amount,further use of the at least one reusable component is permitted.

In embodiments, replenishing the usage credit amount is accomplished viaa device in communication with the surgical instrument.

In embodiments, the usage credit amount and the pre-determined maximumusage amount are measured in number of uses. Alternatively, the usagecredit amount and the pre-determined maximum usage amount may bemeasured in time of use or via any other suitable metric.

In embodiments, the method further includes tracking use of the at leastone reusable component and inhibiting further use of the at least onereusable component when the at least one reusable component has beenused the pre-determined maximum usage amount.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure and its various aspects and features aredescribed hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system provided in accordancewith the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a surgical instrument configuredfor use with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a device or devices configured foruse with the system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A-4G are exemplary status display screens as displayed by a userinterface or other display of an instrument or device of the system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary inventory display screen as displayed by a userinterface or other display of an instrument or device of the system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 6A is an exemplary purchasing display screen as displayed by a userinterface or other display of an instrument or device of the system ofFIG. 1; and

FIG. 6B is an exemplary transferring display screen as displayed by auser interface or other display of an instrument or device of the systemof FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for credit-basedusage of surgical instruments which better meet the needs and/orresources of a particular medical facility and more appropriatelyallocate cost as compared to traditional sales regimes. Althoughdetailed below with respect to particular facilities, systems,instruments, and/or components, the aspects and features of the presentdisclosure are equally applicable for use with any suitable surgicalinstrument and/or system and in any suitable facility.

Referring to FIG. 1, a medical facility 10 is shown generally includingone or more surgical instruments, e.g., a surgical stapler 100, and aplurality of devices configured for use within medical facility 10,e.g., a charger 200, a router 300, a server 400, a computer 500, asmartphone or tablet 600, a display monitor 700, etc. Surgical stapler100 and/or one or more of devices 200-700 may further be configured tocommunicate with a remote facility 20 that includes, for example, one ormore servers 800 and/or one or more computers 900.

Surgical stapler 100 is a battery-powered device including a handleassembly 110 configured for selective connection with an adapter 120which, in turn, is configured for selective connection with an endeffector 130. Alternatively, an end effector may be directly connectedto handle assembly 110. Handle assembly 110 includes an outer housing112 that is configured to receive and enclose an inner assembly 113.Inner assembly 113 includes a battery assembly 114 and a power-pack 116.Battery assembly 114 provides power to power-pack 116 for poweringsurgical stapler 100 while power-pack 116 controls the operation ofsurgical stapler 100. Adapter 120 interconnects power-pack 116 and endeffector 130 and enables mechanical and electrical communicationtherebetween. End effector 130 includes a tool assembly 132 having ananvil assembly 134 and a cartridge assembly 136. Cartridge assembly 136is pivotal in relation to anvil assembly 134, although thisconfiguration may be revered, between an open position and a closedposition and houses a staple cartridge 138 therein. Upon firing, staplesare sequentially ejected from staple cartridge 138 for formation againstanvil assembly 134.

With additional reference to FIG. 2, as noted above, battery assembly114 provides power to power-pack 116 to power surgical stapler 100.Battery assembly 114 generally includes a plurality of battery cells 114a, a safety board 114 b, a microcontroller 114 c, a memory 114 d, and aninput/output 114 e. Safety board 114 b monitors the charging anddischarging of battery cells 114 a to ensure safe and proper operationthereof. Microcontroller 114 c controls the receipt of energy by batterycells 114 a and the delivery of energy from battery cells 114 a. Memory114 d stores information relating to battery assembly 114 such asidentifying data, status data, and usage data. Input/output 114 eenables data and power transmission to/from battery assembly 114.

Power-pack 116, as noted above, controls the operation of surgicalstapler 100. Power-pack 116 generally includes a microcontroller 116 a,a switch board 116 b, a plurality of motors 116 c, a 1-wirecommunication chip 116 d, a memory 116 e, a user interface 116 f, and aninput/output 116 g. Microcontroller 116 a controls the operation ofsurgical stapler 100 by communicating, via the 1-wire communication chip116 d, with battery assembly 114, outer housing 112, adapter 120, andend effector 130 of surgical stapler 100. Switch board 116 b is coupledto user-operable buttons mounted on outer housing 112 and communicateswith microcontroller 116 a to effect operation of surgical stapler 100in accordance with the particular button or buttons depressed by theuser. Motors 116 c, in response to signals received from microcontroller116 a via the 1-wire communication chip 116 d and power received frombattery assembly 114, drive the mechanical operations of surgicalstapler 100, e.g., to rotate, articulate, close, fire, and/or open endeffector 130. Memory 116 e stores information relating to inner assembly113, i.e., battery assembly 114 and power-pack 116, such as identifyingdata, status data, usage data, operating programs, etc. Memory 116 e mayfurther store information relating to outer housing 112, adapter 120,and/or end effector 130 such as identifying data, setting data, statusdata, and usage data. User interface 116 f is provided in the form of adisplay screen viewable from the exterior of outer housing 112 of handleassembly 110 and is configured to display information such as theoperational status of surgical stapler 100, usage information associatedwith any or all of the components of surgical stapler 100,notifications, etc. Input/output 116 g may be configured for wiredconnection and/or wireless communication with one or more externaldevices, e.g., charger 200, router 300, server 400, computer 500,smartphone or tablet 600, display monitor 700, etc., for communicatingstatus information, usage data, updates, notifications, etc.therebetween.

Each of outer housing 112, adapter 120, and end effector 130 of surgicalstapler 100 includes a memory 112 a, 120 a, 130 a, respectively, storinginformation such as identifying data, setting data, and usage data.Utilizing the 1-wire communication chip 116 d, microcontroller 116 a ofpower-pack 116 is configured to access memories 112 a, 120 a, 130 a whenouter housing 112, adapter 120, and end effector 130, respectively, areattached to handle assembly 110. More specifically, microcontroller 116a reads the identifying data from memories 112 a, 120 a, 130 a of outerhousing 112, adapter 120, and end effector 130, respectively, and writesthe same to memory 116 e of power-pack 116 to enable tracking of thatparticular component and recognition upon subsequent attachment.Microcontroller 116 a also reads the setting data from memories 112 a,120 a, 130 a of outer housing 112, adapter 120, and end effector 130,respectively, and matches the same to a corresponding use profile storedin memory 116 e of power-pack 116 to ensure compatible operation ofpower-pack 116 in accordance with the particular configurations of thecomponents attached thereto.

With respect to usage data, microcontroller 116 a reads the usage datafrom memories 112 a, 120 a, 130 a of outer housing 112, adapter 120, andend effector 130, respectively, and stores such usage data in memory 116e of power-pack 116 in connection with the identifying information forthat component. Microcontroller 116 a also stores usage data regardinginner assembly 113 in memory 116 e. As detailed below, microcontroller116 is further configured to update the usage data in its own memory 116e and/or in memories 112 a, 120 a, 130 a of outer housing 112, adapter120, and end effector 130, respectively, after each use, upon receipt ofupdating information, and/or periodically. Thus, memory 116 e ofpower-pack 116 serves as a central repository for storing usage datarelating to the various components used therewith, obviating the needfor the individual components to output such usage data to an externaldevice or devices. However, the usage data for each component is alsostored locally in the memory of that component to enable use of eachcomponent with another power-pack 116.

Some of the components of surgical stapler 100 are configured assingle-use components, e.g., outer housing 112 and end effector 130,although these components may alternatively be configured as reusablecomponents. The usage data for such single-use components may indicatewhether or not the component has been used. That is, after use,microcontroller 116 a writes to memory 116 e of power-pack 116 andmemories 112 a, 130 a of outer housing 112 and end effector 130,respectively, that these components have been used. Accordingly, ifouter housing 112 and/or end effector 130 is attempted to be usedsubsequently, microcontroller 116 a would read the usage data indicatingthat these components have been used and, in response, provide an errornotification and/or inhibit further operation until used components areconnected.

Other components of surgical stapler 100, e.g., inner assembly 113(which includes both battery assembly 114 and power-pack 116) andadapter 120, may be configured as reusable components defining a usefullife measured by a number of uses, although other suitable metrics arealso contemplated, e.g., number of sterilizations, in-use time,time-since-manufacturing, number of chargings, etc. With respect tothese reusable components, the usage data thereof may include, forexample, a usage counter indicating a number of times the component hasbeen used, a maximum number of uses for the component, and a number ofavailable usage credits for the component. After each use,microcontroller 116 a updates the usage counters stored in memory 116 eof power-pack 116 (for the use counters of inner assembly 113 andadapter 120) and memory 120 a of adapter 120 (for the use counter ofadapter 120). The maximum number of uses for inner assembly 113 andadapter 120 are pre-determined numbers stored in the memories 116 e, 120e of power-pack 116 and adapter 120, although memory 116 e of power-pack116 may additionally store the maximum number of uses for adapter 120 inconnection with the identifying information thereof. Microcontroller 116a decrements the number of available usage credits stored in thememories 116 e, 120 e for each of inner assembly 113 and adapter 120after each use and updates the available usage credits upon receipt of anotification that additional usage credits have been applied to thatparticular inner assembly 113 and/or adapter 120.

Prior to entering a use mode, microcontroller 116 a is configured tocompare the use counter information for each component attached theretowith both the number of available usage credits for the component andthe maximum number of uses for the component. As a result of thiscomparison, microcontroller 116 a permits entry into a use mode, outputsa notification (to user interface 116 f and/or to an external device viainput/output 116 g), and/or inhibits some or all functionality ofsurgical stapler 100. For example, where there are no available usagecredits for any particular component or where the maximum number of usesfor any particular component has been reached, microcontroller 116 a mayoutput an error notification and inhibit operation of surgical stapler100. On the other hand, where each component has at least one availableusage credit and has not reached its maximum number of uses,microcontroller 116 a may permit entry into the use mode wherein fulloperation of surgical stapler 100 is permitted.

As noted above, the usage counter associated with each component isincremented in response to use of that component, while the maximumnumber of uses for each component is a pre-determined value stored inmemory. Neither of these values are permitted to be tampered with, asthey are intended to help ensure safe and effective operation ofsurgical stapler 100 by inhibiting use beyond certain limits. The numberof available usage credits, however, is a variable that may be updated,reset, or changed in accordance with the number of usage creditspurchased by the medical facility 10 and allocated to a particularcomponent. These usage credits, together with the usage counters andmaximum number of uses associated with a particular component, serve asthe basis for the credit-based usage system of the present disclosure,which is described in greater detail below.

Referring again to FIG. 1, surgical stapler 100 and one or more of thedevices within medical facility 10 and/or one or more of the deviceswithin remote facility 20 may be utilized in accordance with thecredit-based usage system of the present disclosure. Each of thesedevices will be generally described, followed by a more detaileddescription of the use of any of such devices, in conjunction withsurgical stapler 100, in implementing the credit-based usage system ofthe present disclosure.

Charger 200 includes a base 210 defining a plurality of charging bays220, each configured to receive a battery assembly 114 and a power-pack116 (together as inner assembly 113 or separately from one another) of asurgical stapler 100, for enabling charging and/or data transfertherebetween. Charger 200 further includes a user interface 230configured to display status information, usage data, notifications,etc. relating to an attached battery assembly 114, power-pack 116, orother component of surgical stapler 100 that has been previously usedwith the power-pack 116. For example, user interface 230 of charger 200may be configured to display usage data relating to an attachedpower-pack 116, battery assembly 114, and an adapter 200 previouslyutilized therewith.

Router 300 may be configured as a hub that relays local communications,e.g., between surgical stapler 100, charger 200, server 400, computer500, smartphone or tablet 600, and/or display monitor 700, and/or remotecommunications, e.g., between any of the devices of medical facility 10and any of the devices of remote facility 20. Server 400 may beconfigured to transmit/receive data to/from any of the devices ofmedical facility 10 and/or any of the devices of remote facility 20 andto store such data in a database, process the data, etc. Router 300 andserver 400 may include any suitable software, firmware, and hardware forthese purposes.

Computer 500, smartphone or tablet 600, and display monitor 700 may beconfigured to receive data from surgical stapler 100, charger 200,server 400, and/or one another, e.g., via router 300, and to store suchdata in a database, process the data, and/or display the data on arespective display screen 510, 610, 710 thereof. These devices 500, 600,700 may additionally or alternatively be configured to communicate withsurgical stapler 100 and/or charger 200 for transmitting data theretosuch as, for example, providing updated settings, parameters, operatingcode, programs, etc. Further, computer 500, smartphone or tablet 600,and display monitor 700 may be configured to communicate with any of thedevices of remote facility 20. Devices 500, 600, 700 may include anysuitable software, firmware, and hardware for these purposes.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 1, remote facility 20, as mentionedabove, may include one or more servers 800 and one or more computers900. Server 800 may be configured to receive data from any of thedevices within medical facility 10 and/or to transmit data thereto.Server 800 may further be configured to store the data, process thedata, and/or output the data to computer 900 or another device. Computer900 may be configured to receive, store, process, and/or transmit databoth locally, e.g., to server 800, and/or remotely, e.g., to any of thedevices within medical facility 10. Server 800 and computer 900 mayinclude any suitable software, firmware, and hardware for thesepurposes.

Turning now to FIG. 3, one configuration of a system configured for usein conjunction with surgical stapler 100 and provided in accordance withthe present disclosure is shown generally identified by referencenumeral 1000. System 1000 generally includes a memory 1010, a processor1020, a user interface (UI) 1030, and an input/output 1040. System 1000may be embodied within one or more of charger 200, server 400, computer500, smartphone or tablet 600, display monitor 700, server 800, computer900, or other suitable device. For example, system 1000 may be fullyembodied within charger 200, computer 500, or smartphone or tablet 600as each of these devices includes a user interface 230 or display 510,610, respectively, and appropriate hardware and software capability. Asanother example, memory 1010, processor 1020, and input/output 1040 ofsystem 1000 may be embodied within one device, e.g., server 400, whileuser interface (UI) 1030 is embodied in a separate device incommunication therewith, e.g., using display 710 of display monitor 700.

Memory 1010 of system 1000 may include any suitable component(s)operable for storing information such as operational data, usage data,status data, notifications, etc. for one or more surgical staplers 100or other surgical instruments. Processor 1020 may include any suitablecomponent(s), e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) and a storage unit,operable to execute instructions to receive, process, manipulate, and/oroutput the information. Input/output 1040 is provided to facilitatecommunication between system 1000, one or more surgical staplers 100 orother surgical instruments, and/or other devices via wires or wirelesscommunication. More specifically, input/output 1040 allows for thereceipt of information from surgical staplers 100, surgical instruments,or other devices, and for the transmission of information thereto. UI1030 is provided to display the information received and allow for theinput of data, instructions, settings, etc., by a user.

The credit-based usage system of the present disclosure may beimplemented within inner assembly 113 of surgical stapler 100, or may beimplemented across surgical stapler 100 and one or more additionaldevices, e.g., charger 200, server 400, computer 500, smartphone ortablet 600, display monitor 700, etc. More specifically, as noted above,inner assembly 113 of surgical stapler 100 and, more specifically,memory 116 e of power-pack 116 stores usage counter information foritself and the various components utilized therewith and also storesother usage data indicating a maximum number of uses for itself and eachcomponent and a number of available usage credits for itself and eachcomponent. As detailed below, this usage data may be processed anddisplayed by surgical stapler 100 itself and/or may be output to one ormore additional devices, e.g., charger 200, server 400, computer 500,smartphone or tablet 600, display monitor 700, etc., for processing anddisplaying the data. As also detailed below, surgical stapler 100 itselfand/or one or more additional devices may further be configured toupdate the number of available usage credits for each component, thuspermitting further use thereof (assuming the maximum number of uses hasnot be reached) in accordance with instructions to do so. Theseinstructions may be provided from a local device within medical facility10, may be transmitted from a remote device within remote facility 20,e.g., a manufacturer or supplier facility, or may be manually input intosurgical stapler 100, e.g., via a salesperson visiting medical facility10.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4G, in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3, a maindisplay screen 1100 is shown displaying usage data relating to innerassembly 113 and adapter 200 of surgical stapler 100. Other data such asremaining battery power and connectivity strength is also provided inrespective display sections 1120, 1130. Main display screen 1100 mayrepresent user interface 116 f of surgical stapler 100, user interface230 of charger 200, display 510 of computer 500, display 610 ofsmartphone or tablet 600, display 710 of display monitor 700, or anyother suitable display or user interface. The use and operation of thecredit-based usage system of the present disclosure is detailed belowand illustrated in the various displays of FIGS. 4A-4G; however, it iscontemplated that various different forms of displays may be utilized,or that no display at all be provided. The underlying aspects andfeatures of the credit-based usage system of the present disclosureremain applicable regardless of whether a particular display or anydisplay at all is provided.

Main display screen 1100 is shown displaying icons 1040, 1050, 1060representing handle assembly 110, adapter 120, and end effector 130 ofsurgical stapler 100. The information displayed on main display screen110 is output from memory 116 e of power-pack 116, as detailed above.More specifically, in area 1042, adjacent icon 1040 which representshandle assembly 110, the number of available usage credits for innerassembly 113 is provided. Similarly, in area 1052, adjacent icon 1050which represents adapter 120, the number of available usage credits foradapter 120 is provided. Since end effector 130 and outer housing 112are single-use components, no usage numbers are provided; however, if aused outer housing 112 and/or end effector 130 is attached (asdetermined by power-pack 116), a notification may be provided in thevicinity of icon 1040 or 1060, respectively, to indicate such. Asdetailed above, if use was attempted with a previously-used outerhousing 112 or end effector 130, power-pack 116 would inhibit operationof surgical stapler 100 until the used component(s) is replaced with anunused component(s). Further, in areas 1044 and 1054 which are in thevicinity of icons 1040, 1050, respectively, the number of times innerassembly 113 has been used relative to the maximum number of usesthereof and the number of times adapter 120 has been used relative tothe maximum number of uses thereof, respectively.

FIG. 4A illustrates an initial condition of surgical stapler 100,wherein a new inner assembly 113 having a maximum of 500 uses, forexample, is provided and an new adapter 120 having a maximum of 300uses, for example, is provided. Further, for example, inner assembly 113has been credited with 300 usage credits, while adapter 120, forexample, has been credited with 200 usage credits. As detailed below,assignment of usage credits to inner assembly 113 and adapter 120 may beaccomplished via the purchasing or transferring of usage credits theretousing one or more devices in communication with surgical stapler 100 orauthorizing such directly to surgical stapler 100.

FIG. 4B illustrates main display screen 1100 showing the status ofsurgical stapler 100 after inner assembly 113 and adapter 120 have beenused together for 200 uses, for example. Thus, area 1044 indicates thatinner assembly 113 has been used 200 out of the maximum 500 uses, whilearea 1054 indicates that adapter 120 has been used 200 out of themaximum 300 uses. Further, area 1042 indicates that inner assembly 113has 200 usage credits remaining, while area 1052 indicates that adapter120 has no usage credits remaining. Again, this display information isreceived from power-pack 116 which, as detailed above, tracks and storesthe usage counter, available usage credits, and maximum number of usesfor each component used therewith.

With respect to the status shown in FIG. 4B, despite the fact thatadapter 120 has yet to reach is maximum number of uses, further use ofadapted 120 would be inhibited by power-pack 116 because adapter 120does not have any remaining usage credits. As can be appreciated, theusage credit tracking feature of surgical stapler 100 may be used tolimit the number of uses of a component thereof beyond a creditedamount, which may be less than the maximum number of uses for thatparticular component. The user benefits in that the user can purchase adesired number of credits that is less than the maximum number of uses(and, thus, pay less), and the manufacturer or supplier benefits in thatfurther use beyond this purchased number of credits can be inhibited(thus preventing fraudulent or un-paid use).

FIG. 4C illustrates main display screen 1100 showing the status ofsurgical stapler 100 after adapter 120 has been replenished, viapurchase or transfer, with, for example, 100 usage credits.

FIG. 4D illustrates main display screen 1100 showing the status ofsurgical stapler 100 after inner assembly 113 and adapter 120 have beenused together for an additional 100 uses. Thus, area 1044 indicates thatinner assembly 113 has been used 300 out of the maximum 500 uses, whilearea 1054 indicates that adapter 120 has reached the end of its usablelife, i.e., adapter 120 has been used its maximum of 300 uses. Further,area 1042 indicates that inner assembly 113 has 100 usage creditsremaining, while area 1052 indicates that adapter 120 has 100 usagecredits remaining.

With respect to the status shown in FIG. 4D, adapter 120 is required tobe replaced, while inner assembly 113 may either be replaced orreplenished with additional usage credits, as no further usage creditsare available for inner assembly 113.

FIG. 4E illustrates main display screen 1100 showing the status ofsurgical stapler 100 after inner assembly 113 has been replenished with300 use credits and a new, unused adapter 120 has been provided; thenew, unused adapter 120 credited with 200 usage credits.

FIG. 4F illustrates main display screen 1100 showing the status ofsurgical stapler 100 after 200 further uses of inner assembly 113 withthe new adapter 120. Thus, area 1044 indicates that inner assembly 113has reached the end of its usable life, i.e., inner assembly 113 hasbeen used the maximum 500 uses. Notably, despite the fact that innerassembly 113 has 100 usage credits available, inner assembly 113 cannotbe used further and must be replaced since the maximum number of uses ofinner assembly 113 has been reached. Area 1054 indicates that the newadapter has been used 200 out of its maximum of 300 uses. Further, asnoted above, area 1042 indicates that inner assembly 113 has 100 usagecredits remaining, while area 1052 indicates that adapter 120 has nousage credits remaining. Thus, adapter 120 must either be replaced orreplenished with additional usage credits, prior to further use.

FIG. 4G illustrates main display screen 1100 showing the status ofsurgical stapler 100 after an error has been detected within innerassembly 113, as indicated by power-pack 116 and/or battery assembly114. As such, an error icon 1046, displayed in response to anotification of such output from power-pack 116, is provided. In thissituation, despite the fact that usable life and usage credits remainfor inner assembly 113, power-pack 116 inhibits further use of innerassembly 113 due to the error and, accordingly, such is displayed onmain display screen 1100. Thus, inner assembly 113 must be repairedand/or replaced before being used again.

Turning now to FIG. 5, in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3, as mentionedabove, usage credits may be purchased and/or transferred to/from aparticular component of surgical stapler 100 to allow for replenishmentof usage credits, removal of usage credits from no-longer-usablecomponents, or for other reasons. FIG. 5 illustrates a status displayscreen 1200 that may represent display 510 of computer 500, display 610of smartphone or tablet 600, the display of computer 800, or any othersuitable display or user interface. Status display screen 1200 displaysto the user the present inventory, the number of usage credits remainingfor each component, and the remaining useable life of each component.More specifically, status display screen 1200 provides a table 1210having a first column 1212 indicating the type of components ininventory, a second column 1214 indicating the identification number orcode for each component (which is also stored in the memory thereof), athird column 1216 indicating the number of usage credits remaining foreach component, and a fourth column 1218 indicating the remaininguseable life of each component. As can be appreciated, using thisinformation, a user can view the status of each component in inventory,determine whether it is necessary to purchase additional usage credits,and/or whether it is necessary to transfer usage credits betweencomponents.

As an alternative to allocating usage credits to a particular component,it is also contemplated that purchased usage credits for a particulartype of component be universally applied to all such components ininventory. In such an embodiment, the above-detailed function of thecredit-based usage system of the present disclosure would functionsimilarly except that the various surgical staplers 100 wouldcommunicate with one another or with a common device to enable updatingof the available usage credits for each component type in the memoriesof each stapler 100 and/or device 200, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 5, in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3,status display screen 1200 also provides icons 1220, 1230, 1240 thatlink to a purchase display screen 1300 (FIG. 6A), a transfer displayscreen 1400 (FIG. 6B), and to a request for appointment screen (notshown), respectively. It is envisioned that the device displaying statusdisplay screen 1200 be capable of communication with the surgicalstapler(s) 100 or other surgical instrument(s) within medical facility10 to receive up-to-date usage information regarding the componentsthereof.

Purchase display screen 1300 is illustrated in FIG. 6A, and mayrepresent display 510 of computer 500, display 610 of smartphone ortablet 600, the display of computer 800, or any other suitable displayor user interface. Using purchase display screen 1300, a user is able toselect a desired number of usage credits for each particular component,view the costs thereof, and purchase such usage credits. Upon purchasingusage credits, payment is transmitted to the manufacturer or supplierand, in turn, information is sent to surgical stapler(s) 100 and/ordevices 200, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and/or 900 to update the availableusage credits corresponding to those components for which usage creditswere purchased.

Transfer display screen 1400 is illustrated in FIG. 6B,and may representdisplay 510 of computer 500, display 610 of smartphone or tablet 600,the display of computer 800, or any other suitable display or userinterface. Transfer display screen 1400 is provided to enable transferof usage credits from one component to another component of the sametype. Transferring usage credits may be desired where a component hasremaining usage credits associated with it despite the component beingat the end of its usable life, where an error has occurred with acomponent rendering it no longer usable despite having usage creditsremaining, or simply where it is desired to redistribute the usagecredit distribution among the similar components.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the request an appointment icon 1240, asnoted above, allows the medical facility to schedule a visit from asalesperson at which time usage credits can be purchased, components canbe purchased and/or returned, and the transfer of usage credits can beaccomplished. Further, as opposed to the above-detailed automated orpartially-automated purchase and transfer of usage credits, the same mayalso be accomplished in manual fashion, e.g., via a salesperson visitingmedical facility 10. Automatic replenishments are also contemplated, forexample, wherein 50 usage credits are applied to a particular componentand charged to the medical facility 10 every month, for the life of thatparticular component.

As can be appreciated in view of the foregoing, the credit-based usagesystem of the present disclosure serves as a use limiter that limits theuse of a particular component or device to a number of uses equal to orless than the maximum number of uses of the device. Thus, a medicalfacility 10 is not bound to costs associated with the maximum number ofuses but, rather, may pay for a number of uses determined by the medicalfacility 10. Further, by allowing for replenishment, the medicalfacility 10 may spread capital costs over the life of the componentrather than having a large initial capital investment, even where fulluse of the component is expected. Thus, the credit-based usage system ofthe present disclosure provides greater flexibility in terms of deviceusage, capital outlay and resource management as compared withtraditional sales regimes.

The credit-based usage system of the present disclosure is detailedabove as determining use of a component by incrementing a use counter.This may be accomplished upon engagement of the component with surgicalstapler 100, upon firing of surgical stapler 100, upon disengagement ofthe component from surgical stapler 100, upon sterilization of thecomponent, upon charging of inner assembly 113, or in response to anyother suitable condition or event. As an alternative to counter-baseduse determination, time-based use may also be utilized. In suchembodiments, the credit-based usage system would operate similarly asdetailed above except that, rather than utilizing counters, eachcomponent would include a use time tracker, define a maximum amount ofuse time, and include a usage credit time stored therein, which may betransferred and/or replenished similarly as detailed above. Combinationsof counter and time-based systems are also contemplated.

Although embodiments have been described in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings for the purpose of illustration and description,it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to beconstrued as limited thereby. It will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art that various modifications to the foregoing embodimentsmay be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical system, comprising: a plurality ofsurgical instruments, each of the plurality of surgical instrumentsincluding: a reusable component; a processor; a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor, cause the processor to monitor usage of thereusable component; and a local memory, wherein an overall availableusage credit is stored in the local memory of each of the plurality ofsurgical instruments; and a central device in communication with each ofthe plurality of surgical instruments, the central device including acentral memory storing the overall available usage credit, a centralprocessor, and a central non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumstoring instructions that, when executed by the central processor, causethe central processor to communicate with the processor of each of theplurality of surgical instruments such that, upon use of the reusablecomponent of any one of the plurality of surgical instruments, theoverall available usage credit stored in the central memory and in eachof the local memories is decreased accordingly.
 2. The surgical systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising a display screen, wherein thecentral processor is further caused to communicate with the displayscreen to display status information regarding the overall availableusage credit on the display screen.
 3. The surgical system according toclaim 2, wherein the display screen is associated with the centraldevice.
 4. The surgical system according to claim 2, wherein the displayscreen is associated with one of the plurality of surgical instruments.5. The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein the centralprocessor of the central device is further caused to communicate withthe processor of each one of the plurality of surgical instruments toincrease the overall available usage credit stored in the local memorythereof upon receiving instructions to replenish the overall availableusage credit.
 6. The surgical system according to claim 5, wherein theinstructions to replenish are provided in response to the purchase ofadditional usage credit.
 7. The surgical system according to claim 1,wherein the overall available usage credit is measured in number ofuses.
 8. The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein the overallavailable usage credit is measured in time of use.
 9. The surgicalsystem according to claim 1, wherein the overall available usage creditis decreased upon engagement of one of the reusable components with thesurgical instrument thereof.
 10. The surgical system according to claim1, wherein the overall available usage credit is decreased upondisengagement of one of the reusable components from the surgicalinstrument thereof.
 11. The surgical system according to claim 1,wherein the overall available usage credit amount is decreased inresponse to firing of one of the surgical instruments.
 12. The surgicalsystem according to claim 1, wherein the reusable component of each ofthe plurality of surgical instruments includes a pre-defined maximumusage amount, and wherein use of one of the reusable components isinhibited when the pre-defined maximum usage amount thereof is reachedregardless of the overall available usage credit remaining.
 13. Thesurgical system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of theplurality of surgical instruments further includes a single-usecomponent.